President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation and spoke about the visit to Kyiv by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the return of a great relic to our country.

"Free people of brave country!

Today, it was an honor for me to welcome on behalf of all Ukrainians your sincere friend – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in our capital, on Bankova Street.

His visit to our country demonstrates most vividly that there are no obstacles to freedom. There are no obstacles to leadership. Boris was among those who did not hesitate for a moment to support Ukraine. The leadership of the United Kingdom in providing our country with necessary assistance, especially defensive, as well as in sanctions policy – forever in history. In the history of defending democracy and Europe's security. Ukraine will always be grateful for this – both to Boris and to Britain.

Today, Boris came to Kyiv also with a new package of financial and military support for Ukraine. We also discussed new sanctions steps that are necessary to compel Russia to peace.

The task of our anti-war coalition is completely clear – to end this war started by Russia as quickly as possible, liberate our land from occupiers, and ensure the security of Ukraine, thus ensuring democracy and freedom for the nations in Eastern Europe.

That's why it is not just a moral obligation for all democratic states, all forces of Europe – to support Ukraine’s desire for peace.

This, indeed, is a security strategy for every civilized state. To put as much pressure on Russia as possible so that peace and security are restored as quickly as possible. To restore the rule of international law and stop the catastrophe of power being used to suppress others. A catastrophe that will inevitably hit everyone. Because Russian aggression did not aim to be limited only to one Ukraine. Only to destroy our freedom and our lives. The entire European project – this is Russia's target.

I was pleased to hear today from Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer assurances that for the Austrian state, compelling Russia to peace is as principled a matter as it is for other responsible states.

He also promised that Austria will continue sanctions policy against Russia together with partners in the European Union until real security is restored in our region. Until Russia withdraws all its forces from Ukrainian sovereign territory.

The Austrian Chancellor supported my question and clearly outlined a perspective for Ukraine's EU membership as soon as possible.

And separately, I want to thank Mr. Nehammer for transferring firefighting and rescue vehicles, other equipment, and assistance in fire extinguishing to Ukraine.

Also today there is an important news from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Within their initiated global campaign Stand Up For Ukraine, over 10 billion US dollars were collected for our people's help. For Ukrainians who had to leave their homes due to Russia’s war against Ukraine. Thank you everyone who contributed to these funds!

So today was really a fruitful day for Ukraine and its diplomacy.

And this is already the 45th day of our defense from Russian aggression. Did they in Moscow think that on the 45th day after their invasion, such events would be taking place in Kyiv? No, they could not even imagine it. And we made it a reality.

We all together – every Ukrainian who chose bravery on February 24 and forever chose Ukraine, freedom, and the future.

At all international negotiations and contacts with world leaders over these 45 days, I always raise three topics. The first is specific help for our defense. The second is specific help for our people. The third is specific guarantees of security for our country that will definitely win this confrontation.

Of course, not everyone gives me concrete answers to my specific questions. But every day there's more positive news for Ukraine.

But still not enough to accurately determine the end of this war. Russia can still live in illusions and bring new military forces and new technology to our land. This means that we need even more sanctions. More weapons for our country.

By the way, Boris Johnson was very specific today in his answers to my questions. As always. And we have already agreed with him on what post-war assistance Britain will provide Ukraine. The British are ready to take charge of restoring Kyiv and Kyiv region.

Among the priorities for our diplomacy, for all contacts with our partners – introducing more painful restrictions on Russian Federation's financial flows. Mainly this concerns oil business. The democratic world can definitely refuse Russian oil and make it toxic for other countries as well. Oil is one of two sources of Russian self-confidence, their sense of impunity.

The second source – gas – will also be covered over time. This is inevitable. Not only from security but also environmental considerations.

But Ukraine does not have the luxury to wait. Freedom cannot afford to wait. When tyranny starts aggression against everything that held peace in Europe, immediate action must be taken. Principled action. Oil embargo should be the first step. And on a level of all democratic states, the entire civilized world. Then Russia will feel it. Then this will become an argument for them to seek peace and stop senseless violence.

And one more news today. Long-awaited by many of our people. A major relic is returning to Ukraine. One of the most revered relics of Kyiv Sophia – Saint Nicholas (the Wet) icon, the first wonder-working icon of Rus’.

We worked long to return it. It was taken out of Ukraine during World War II. And soon it will be home – in Holy Sophia. Thankful for this decision by hierarchs, clergy and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America. I want the return of this relic to become an important symbol for all of us. A fundamental symbol. A symbol that we are returning everything to Ukraine. Everything Ukrainian.

We will bring back all our people.

And we must restore justice – full control over our land.

Thank you to all our friends!

Grateful to all our heroes!

Glory to Ukraine!»